When I think of networking, I think of job hunting.  Career networking is typically done one on one and involves connecting to and through people who may be able to help you learn about new careers and open positions.   At The Wineinger Company, we teach career seekers methods to network as a mainstay of helping them find a career they love.  In fact, networking is a part of our comprehensive career coaching package.
Last week, I had the honor of being the videographer assistant to a powerhouse trainer and networker: Dr. Sandra Vogel.  Sandra was teaching a group of women at GE on techniques for successful networking.  Sandra opened my eyes to the many ways to utilize networking.  I walked away from the class realizing how short sighted I have been.
Sandra recommends that we think about networking as a way to get insights, education, new perspectives, solutions and knowledge.  She opened up the door for dozens of women to utilize the power of the knowledge in the room.  She also taught the value of how good it feels to help someone find a solution.  It broadened my perspective from Career Networking to Powerful Networking.
When it comes to group networking, I’ve personally often shied away from these events. In fact, if I had simply been invited to come and participate, I would have declined.   I tend to be a “one on one” person and the idea of a room full of people who may want to talk to me is quite overwhelming.
But I’ve been wrong about group events all this time.
I am now a believer in the power of a group event.  (and highly recommend Sandra for teaching this material at your event!)
 Listed below is my short cheat sheet for Career Networking along with just a few of the many ideas Sandra shared in her training.
Career Networking:
  1. Ask for the appointment.
  2. Be very clear what you need help to do and why you think this person can help
  3. Commit to an exact length of time for the discussion
  4. End on time! If the person can continue meeting, they make the decision
  5. Follow up with a thank you note.
Event Networking:
1. Ask someone what thing they are currently working to accomplish or for something they are currently excited about doing
2. Actively listen.  Listening is a compliment and a gift.
3. Offer to help in some way: a connection, an article, an idea
4. Encourage!  A kind word and a compliment go a long way and are highly valued
5. Follow up with a short note or message (that means you need their contact information)
Remember, in any networking situation: Document the meeting in your “contacts” information with a short note on what you discussed.
Networking is a powerful way to expand your world and build into others. Within two hours of the event, I’d already followed up with SIX people I met.  And I was just operating the video.